Sensory monitor with embedded messaging elements

ABSTRACT

A system for measuring human perception at edges of awareness includes a message transmitter providing embedded pre-semantic messages having a predetermined meaning or a predetermined object representation for visual priming, the messages being embedded within supraliminal information and a sensory monitor for measuring reaction in an individual to the predetermined meaning or predetermined object representation of the embedded pre-semantic messages. A control system receives an input from the sensory monitor, the control system including a real-time feedback control loop altering a perceptibility of the embedded messages with respect to the supraliminal messages as a function of the sensory monitor input.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/085,741 filed Feb. 28, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No.6,650,251, issued Nov. 18, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to embedded messages that create aresponse in a viewer, and more particularly to a method and device forproducing such messages, determining if such messages are effective, andtailoring such messages to individual responses.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,581 discloses an interactive automatic system andtechnique for measuring and training mental ability. The device testsfor physical reaction time, perceptual awareness threshold, attentionlevels, speed, efficiency and capacity of information processing by thebrain by using auditory and visual stimuli. In determining a perceptualawareness threshold, the device presents figures without any preassignedspecific meaning, for example circles. A test subject presses one of twokeys to indicate on which side a circle appears. If a correct side wasselected the presentation delay is reduced.

The images in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,581 do not have any specificmeaning to a user of the system, and do not visually prime a user tobetter understand or recognize those messages below a conscious level.

German Patent No. 199 52 506 C1 discloses a system for aiding a user ofa technical device, for example, an automobile, in which a picture orsymbol is shown to the user for a short time so that the picture orsymbol is below the conscious level of the user but above thesubconscious. The system thus visually primes a user to aid the user inrecognizing, for example, taillights in an automobile ahead of the user,or traffic signs or traffic lights. The reaction time of the user tosuch a danger is then decreased, i.e. the driver reacts more quickly. Anindividual user can set the duration of the time for showing of thesymbols, so that they fall below the conscious level, and the system canoffer an adjustment procedure to ease this setting. However, there is nofeedback to tell whether the user is reacting to the visual priming andthe application states that the system does not need to wait to see if adriver reacts on his or her own. Also, the symbols used are preassignedand not created by the system.

The article “Feature Detection Algorithm Based on a Visual System Model”in Proceedings of the IEEE, Vol. 90, No. 1, January 2002, discloses analgorithm for detecting visually relevant luminance features. Thealgorithm thus can take a captured image and provide an output with keyfeatures that permit the human brain to recognize the original image.The '581 patent, the German '506 patent and the IEEE article are allhereby incorporated by reference herein.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,027,208 describes a therapeutic subliminal imagingsystem wherein a selected semantic subliminal message is synchronizedwith and added to an existing video signal containing a supraliminalmessage. The combined preexisting supraliminal messages can be displayedon a video screen. The desired subliminal message is provided by apreprogrammed chip that is inserted by the user into a compact videoprocessing circuit that combines the two signals for viewing. The videoprocessing system of the invention synchronizes the video signalcontaining the supraliminal message with a signal containing the desiredsubliminal message. The system then either lightens or darkens portionsof the supraliminal message, in a manner that is not consciouslyperceptible to the viewer, to present the subliminal message.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,962 discloses a method and apparatus for presentingsubliminal semantic messages that allow a user to verify the content andpresence of the message, and adjust the message obviousness. A VCRoverlays the television signals, and the user can turn a video controlto reduce the amount of attenuation and the obviousness of the overlaidimages until the images become imperceptible, and thus subliminal.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,834 discloses a system to teach a student toinstantly recognize words without having to sound them out or go throughother processes such as explaining the definition of the word. The wordshowever are not embedded and are displayed to the student for consciousrecognition. A computer systematically and continuously adjusts therequirements for word perception and recognition based oncharacteristics and ongoing responses of the individual student in a waythat increases the speed and accuracy of word recognition.

As demonstrated by tachistoscopic experiments, sensory inputs are firstregistered outside of conscious recognition, i.e. in the subconscious.Tachistoscopic systems may be designed to alter the dwell time ofrapidly flashing images, for example. The images, as the dwell timeincreases, or, as the contrast increases or signal attenuationdecreases, eventually enter the consciousness of the viewer.

However, many messages provided by these systems are generally designedto communicate subconsciously, and, if effective at all, are nottailored to individual responses.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to permit creation of embeddedpresemantic messages that create a response in a viewer.

Another alternate or additional object of the present invention is topermit automatic tailoring of embedded messages to individuals.

Still another alternate or additional object of the present invention isto effectively visually prime a viewer for a certain response.

Yet another alternate or additional object of the present invention isto effectively create images for display in use with a visual primingsystem.

The present invention provides a system for measuring human perceptionat edges of awareness comprising:

a message transmitter providing embedded pre-semantic messages having apredetermined meaning or a predetermined object representation forvisual priming, the messages being embedded within supraliminalinformation;

a sensory monitor for measuring reaction in an individual to thepredetermined meaning or predetermined object representation of theembedded pre-semantic messages; and

a control system connected to the message transmitter, the controlsystem receiving an input from the sensory monitor, the control systemincluding a real-time feedback control loop altering a perceptability ofthe embedded pre-semantic messages with respect to the supraliminalmessages as a function of the sensory monitor input.

Also provided is a method for providing embedded messages embedded insupraliminal messages comprising the steps of:

providing embedded pre-semantic messages having a predetermined meaningor predetermined object representation for visual priming, the embeddedmessages being embedded within supraliminal information;

measuring a reaction in an individual to the predetermined meaning orthe predetermined object representation of the embedded pre-semanticmessages; and

automatically controlling the embedded pre-semantic messages as afunction of the reaction using a feedback loop, the feedback loopaltering a perceptability of the embedded messages with respect to thesupraliminal messages as a function of the reaction.

The system and the method of the present invention thus provide theadvantage over the prior art that the system can continuously monitorthe reaction of a user to the pre-semantic meaning of a message, forexample an arrow indicating that a user should move left, or thereaction to a visual priming using a predetermined objectrepresentation.

Visual priming is defined herein as the providing of an objectrepresentation to aid the user in recognizing an object requiringattention.

Preferably, the predetermined object representation is created by analgorithm processing sensory data concerning the object. For example,the algorithm in the article “Feature Detection Algorithm Based on aVisual System Model” in Proceedings of the IEEE, Vol. 90, No. 1, January2002, may be used to provide visually relevant luminance features of adeer or pedestrian, and these luminance features used as thepredetermined object representation.

The system and method of the present invention can monitor humanawareness both below and above the liminal threshold of sensoryawareness, and ensure that a user is either reacting to thepredetermined meaning or being visually primed effectively by thepredetermined object representation of the message. Monitoring ofsensory awareness is performed by a software component operating on areal-time operating system coupled to a sensor array. The sensor arraycollects data from sensors monitoring user reaction, or a user response,to images (or other sensory data) presented to the user. The sensorydata presented to the user is presented at or near the boundary betweenconscious and subconscious sensory recognition.

Monitoring of user reception allows the system to gauge efficacy of thesensory data in generating a response. Messaging elements are initiallygenerated with physical characteristics registered below the thresholdof consciences awareness, thereby broadening possibilities forcommunicating information or messages, for example by embedding them inother images or on a visual field.

Real-time feedback monitoring provides the basis for dynamicallyaltering the physical characteristics of messaging elements as afunction of user response as determined by the sensory monitor.

Messaging elements are, therefore, dynamically altered as a function ofcontinuous monitoring of individual sensory recognition.

The system may be designed to continuously alter the physicalcharacteristics of the messaging elements, and measure their impact, asa means of regulating the system to user-specific sensitivities.Messaging elements are varied using physical variables forming theboundaries between conscious and subconscious sensory awareness, such asalteration of duration, frequency, movement and non-time dependentvariables such as color, contrast and pattern masking of the messagingelements. The system thus is dynamically tuned to user-specific sensorysensitivities both below the liminal threshold, and, if required, abovethe liminal threshold, to ensure that the user is responding to themessaging elements The dynamically and continuously constructedmessaging elements are embedded within a sensory field of the user, suchas a HUD or CRT display, or a visual field such as a windshield of anairplane.

The embedded pre-semantic messaging elements may fall into one of twocategories: (1) pictorial examples with a predetermined meaning, i.e.symbolic registers with latent, or metaphorical, meaning; or (2) objectrepresentations for visual priming. As example of the first category, anarrow pointing left may have a predetermined meaning to a driver to turnleft, or a skull and crossbones may have a predetermined meaning ofpoison. As an example of the second, the embedded message may be avisual model representing a car in front of a user, and may be createdusing an algorithm as described in the IEEE article mentioned at theoutset. The detail even may be such that specific model car isrepresented. These pre-semantic messages mimicking an actual objectpermit visually priming of a subject to react more quickly to, forexample, a dangerous situation.

Applications for the integrated system include medical diagnostic tools,warning systems for machine or process operators and training tools.

The present invention thus provides for dynamic control and placement ofembedded pre-semantic messages by altering the physical characteristicsof the embedded messages, or by altering the surrounding environment inwhich the messages are embedded, as a function of computer-basedreal-time monitoring of individual responses.

The system thus also measures human perception at the edges of awarenessthrough the real-time computer-based control loop by measuring, andmonitoring user reactions to, or reception of, pre-semantic messageelements presented beneath and beyond the threshold of physiologicallybased sensory awareness. Since each individual will likely have adifferent liminal threshold, real-time monitoring of the reaction orimpact of the messaging elements provides the basis and functionalityfor measuring individual reception to the embedded messages and todynamically alter for each individual the embedded messaging elementswith respect to the variables forming the threshold of sensoryawareness, such as duration, frequency, movement and non-time dependentvariables such as color, contrast and pattern masking.

Whereas the sensory monitor measures sensory recognition about theliminal boundaries of an individual, a control application dynamicallyalters the messaging elements as a function of this monitoring ofindividual reception to accommodate individual physiology-based sensorysensitivities. As the system performs trial and error imagemanipulations seeking the desired response, the system collects data inthe local database thereby learning individual sensory sensitivities andthe mechanism for influencing individual users.

Having a real-time operating system, the sensory monitor providesdeterministic monitoring and measurement within the millisecond range;having real-time monitoring of the efficacy of the embedded messagingelements presented to the subconscious regions of perception, the systemprovides for dynamic adaptation of messaging elements as a function ofindividual sensory abilities as monitored with useful purpose. In theirsimplest form, these embedded symbols include pictorial representationswith predetermined meanings or object images for facilitatingrecognition of specific objects through visual priming; in their complexform, they represent symbolic registers carrying latent or metaphoricalmeaning. For example, symbolic registers could be presented as patternswithin written text by dynamically altering the horizontal and verticalcharacter spacing or by altering contrast about a pattern therebyembedding the symbolic register into the text. Presented below theliminal boundary of sensory awareness, symbolic registers expand theregion of sensory awareness to include the gradient regions about theliminal threshold.

As described herein, applications include: (1) implementation as amedical diagnostic tool for detecting physiological changes impactingsensory pathways and processes as manifest in subconscious abilitiessuch as perception about the edges of awareness; (2) dynamic generationand presentation of warning symbols for placement at the edges ofconscious awareness as a function of the real-time monitoring ofindividual response; and (3) integration with training materials as atool for reinforcing central points or developing unthought-oftendencies or second natures.

Knowing that conscious and subconscious mental abilities remainseparated psychologically by physical constraints formingphysiologically based gradients, introducing pre-semantic messagingelements to the subconscious area broadens areas of mental engagement toa particular task. Recognizing that brain and sensory physiology formthe underpinnings of perception abilities, and that individualphysiologies vary to measurable degrees with respect to sensoryabilities, the present invention provides for dynamic adaptation toindividual sensory abilities both conscious and subconscious.

For example, optical receptor and associated pathway neurology determineindividual sensitivity and abilities with respect to visual perception.The individual ratio of optical rods to cones, therefore, determines theindividual and specific ability to differentiate between colors anddetect movement. Adjusting to an individual with a disproportionatenumber of optical rods, the system can increase a color variation, andthen introduce movement of the image if color variation fails toregister.

As a diagnostic tool, the embedded messaging elements measure individualsensory abilities at the edges of awareness against statistical norms asa method of detecting abnormalities within the sensory pathways asphysiological abnormalities manifest in sensory abilities. Most sensorysensitivities reside within a narrow band of possibilities, and sensorypathways span from sensor to brain and, within the brain, outwardly fromsubconscious to conscious processing centers. Therefore, early detectionof physiology based changes in sensory abilities is accomplished bymonitoring individual ability in detecting the embedded messagingelements presented at the statistical norm of sensory awareness. Assuch, the present invention provides a noninvasive means of detectingphysiological changes within the brain and outward sensory pathwaysbeyond the range of imaging tools (such as MRI and PET scans) bydetecting the manifestation of physiological changes as they affectperception about the regions of conscience awareness, rather thandetecting physical changes underlying the mental abnormalities.

As a warning system, the system presents embedded pre-semantic messagingelements positioned within the gradient between conscious andsubconscious sensory awareness to machine or control interfaces toprompt operators toward reaction to conditions while minimizingdistractions thereby broadening the possibilities of perception.Moreover, the embedded messaging elements system together with thesensory monitor allows for dynamic altering of the physicalcharacteristics of the messaging elements (to measure the liminalthreshold and alter messaging element characteristics as a function ofindividual sensory sensitivities or lack thereof) as a function ofperception as measured through reaction. Presenting the embeddedmessaging elements to the regions of perception outside of consciousnessallows the operator to continue concentrating on the task at hand whileincorporating additional information. By way of example, if themachinery were a combat aircraft, and the intended warning an indicationof possible missile threat, the embedded messaging elements mightinclude pictorial representations such as arrow images suggesting amovement for an evasive maneuver. If the machinery were an automobileand the intended warning an indication of a deer entering the roadway,the embedded messaging element could result from an algorithm renderinga presentation of the deer from external sensory data such that theembedded message visually primes the operator to recognize the deer andthereby undertake evasive maneuvers. In these examples, the embeddedmessaging elements provide a warning system without creatingdistractions from operation of the machinery. Thus, the system broadensthe region of awareness to include the boundary regions, or gradientareas between conscious and subconscious recognition (as defined throughindividual physiologically-based constraints).

Recognizing the physiological foundations of perception, variableswithin individual physiologically will alter individual sensoryabilities and sensitivities, the sensory monitor measures thesevariations through the real-time feedback-based deterministic controlloop, whereas the embedded messaging elements alter the embedded messageposition with respect to gradient variables as a function of individualreaction in pursuit of the desired, or targeted, response. Furtheringthe combat aircraft example, if the pilot fails to acknowledge theseembedded messaging signals, as recognized through the monitoring ofreaction or trajectory toward a desired reaction (as measured throughthe sensing of accelerations or change in accelerations the aircraft issubject to or a controller movement), the system alters the embeddedmessage position with respect to duration, frequency, movement and/ornon-time dependent variables such as color, contrast and pattern maskingtoward the region of consciousness until such time that positivereception is indicated.

As a warning system, the system is applicable to any operative situationsuch as automobile, aircraft, spacecraft or process control operatingdevice. Overall, the system merges human and machine control byproviding a degree of machine-based control over the operator.Presenting messages, or instructions, below and about the liminalthreshold of sensory awareness, the system provides for the broadeningand deepening of user and machine interface. Having a local database tocollect data for analysis, together with the ability for trial and errorimage representations for intended response, allows the system toindependently learn the mechanisms to control individual operators andthe degree of control possible.

As a training tool, such as adapted to Army training routines, where keypoints are typically learned through repetition or where a second natureis desired, the system provides a means of reinforcing central points ordeveloping a second nature by presenting elements to the subconsciouswhere primary behaviors are seated. In the case where training materialsare presented to the reader on a computer monitor, in addition to simplepre-semantic embedded messaging elements, more complex messagingmeanings are possible thereby extending the possibilities forbroadening, deepening, reinforcing or negating interpreted meanings. Forexample, introducing patterns within the text displayed on a CRTprovides the possibilities to alter the interpreted meaning of thewritten message through the introduction of an embedded message linkedto a symbolic register of specific meaning. These patterns are thenembedded within the written text by dynamically altering horizontal andvertical line and character spacing, or by varying gradient variablessuch as text-character contrast or color, such that the pattern ispresented to the subconscious region of perception.

Functioning as symbolic registers, the embedded messaging elements maycarry latent meaning in the form of complex patterns forming visuallypresented metaphors. As depicted in the above training example, thesystem allows for the introduction of patterns in response to anindividual ability to absorb materials or reverse previously learnedtendencies. For example, if a training subject has previously, butincorrectly learned, that certain compounds are nonvolatile underexposure to sunlight, then, depending upon the response to questions,the systems would introduce symbolic registers into the trainingmaterials (such as universally understood representations for danger anddaylight) in combination to reinforce or negate interpretation. Forexample, the intended association may be accomplished by linking dangerand sunlight in combination through the introduction of embeddedpresemantic messaging elements, which negate, or otherwise alter,previous interpretations.

The pre-semantic messages may be created or provided with predeterminedmeaning in a preliminary step. The messages may be selected from alibrary of symbolic registers arranged in classes and class members suchthat these symbolic registers have known functions when linked to, orembedded within, text messaging are possible. Combining these symbolicregisters with literal messages, the sensory monitor may gauge theimpact of these embedded symbolic registers on interpretation. As such,the symbolic registers serve as a language analogous to the use of musicto augment visuals. Where the chords form melodies that invoke specificmoods or meanings, which color interpretation of the visuals, thesymbolic registers interplay with written words to alter interpretation.

As the system catalogs symbolic registers into classes and class membersfor specific purposes, the system may learn both the universality ofsymbol interpretation in addition to a cultural specific symbolicregister vernacular. For example, that which is universally understoodto convey sorrow might have more specific, and deeper, meaning within anarrower culture context.

“Embedded pre-semantic messages” as defined herein are messages designedto be just at or near the liminal boundary of perception.

Preferably, the embedded messages can be used to visually prime a user,for example by mimicking the characteristics of a certain object. Forexample, using a feature detection algorithm, an infrared sensor or CCDcamera could take data regarding objects in front of an airplane, andprovide an embedded message with visually relevant luminance features tothe user. This image could then visually prime the user to more quicklyrecognize, for example, a mountain, or another plane in the path of theairplane.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below byreference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of the base architecture of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 shows schematically the embodiment of the present invention foruse in a warning system;

FIG. 3 shows schematically the embodiment of the present invention foruse as a training tool or diagnostic tool;

FIG. 4 shows a specific embodiment of the present system for use in ajet fighter; and

FIG. 5 shows a specific embodiment for use in an automobile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of the system of the presentinvention for use as a warning system in a vehicle. An operator 9 ispresented embedded messaging elements and a supraliminal message at acontrol interface or message provider 13, for example a CRT in anairplane showing infrared night vision information as the supraliminalmessage. The pre-semantic messaging elements may be embedded within thenight vision information, and may be images, such as left pointing orright pointing arrows shown first at a level not perceptible to anaverage operator 9. These pre-semantic images thus have a predeterminedmeaning, such as turn left, or turn right.

A user sensor array 10, which may for instance include a vehicledirection sensor or automobile traction control sensor or directioncontroller angle sensor, can read a reaction from the operator. Thus achange in the controller 110 and the direction of the change can be readby the sensor array 10.

The user sensor array 10 provides an input to a system base architecture8, which functions as a control system, shown in FIG. 2. The reaction ofoperator 9 thus is received through the sensor array 10 and the data isfurther processed and analyzed by the base architecture 8, which isconnected to the sensor array via an I/O device 5. A hardware driver 6can convert signals from the sensor array 10 into digital signalscapable of being read by a real time operating system (RTOS), forexample VXWORKS, by Wind River Corporation of Alameda, Calif. Softwarerun on the RTOS can determine the signals from the sensor arrayindicating a response, or lack of responses, as a function of input(message presentation of sensory gradient values) at a point in time.For example if the controller angle changes more than 30 degrees to theleft, a left turn is recognized, and if the controller angle changesmore than 30 degrees to the right, a right turn is recognized. Thispositive indication is, therefore deterministically accounted for as aresult of the predetermined meaning of the embedded pre-semanticmessage. Through this closed loop process, the system learns thespecific receptivity and sensitivities of individual operators.

A process control unit 12 determines if a warning is necessary, and maybe connected to both the base architecture 8 through a networkconnection 1, and to the control interface 13. The network connection 1may be for example an Ethernet card, providing the base architecture 8with a connection to a network and the process control unit 12, forexample a LAN.

Process control unit 12 may determine information about the environmentof the vehicle, and for example may determine a stationary object in thepath and at the sides of the airplane, for example at a range of 1000meters. The process control unit 12 thus may include an exterior sensorarray providing information about the environment of the vehicle, andmay for example include infrared sensors or a CCD. In addition, processcontrol unit 12 also can process the environmental information toprovide predetermined object representations for use as embeddedmessages for visually priming a user.

A software driver 2 can read the Ethernet messages, strip them of anyheaders, and pass the relevant information to an embedded messageelement application 3. The embedded message application 3 can determine,for example, that a stationary or approaching object is in the path ofthe vehicle and also to the right of the vehicle, based on the inputfrom process control unit 12.

The message application 3 then can begin flashing a proper pre-semanticembedded message with a predetermined meaning at, for example, apredetermined intensity. For example, a turn left arrow is flashed oncontrol interface 13, embedded in the supraliminal night visioninformation.

If the pilot fails to respond in a predetermined time frame, theintensity of the embedded message can, for example, be increasedslightly (or the surrounding intensity of the night vision screeninformation decreased) until a response is registered by thedetermination from the sensors that the controller has been moved to theleft.

If the pilot responds immediately, the intensity, or activity, of futuremessages can be decreased a predetermined amount.

A database 4 can store the intensity at which the pilot responded, anduse this intensity as the predetermined intensity in later applications.

If an immediate response is registered the next time an embedded messageis shown, the intensity can be lowered for the next embedded message.

The base architecture 8 may be a computer or other logic unit, which caninclude for example a processor commercially-available from the IntelCorporation.

The system thus can perform trial and error image manipulations seekingthe desired response, and the system collects data for analysis in theembedded database 4 thereby learning individual sensory sensitivitiesand the mechanism for influencing individual users.

Moreover, the present invention can compensate for varying individualconditions, for example as the pilot becomes sleepier during a flight,the messages can be automatically intensified.

The real-time operating system 7, for example VXWORKS,commercially-available from the Wind River Corporation, provides thesensory monitor with deterministic monitoring and measurement within themillisecond range.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of the present invention for useas a training or diagnostic tool. When the present invention is used asa training tool for training routines, embedded training messages arepresented to the operator 9 on a CRT, or television, with input device13. The training messages may be for example pictorial representationhaving a predetermined meaning of a foreign language word. The sensorarray 10, which can be a computer that queries the operator to choosethe proper meaning of a foreign language word, receives the reaction ofoperator 9 and then communicates the results with the base architecture8, as in FIG. 2.

When used as a diagnostic tool, the system measures individual sensoryabilities at the edges of awareness against statistical norms as amethod of detecting abnormalities within the sensory pathways asphysiology abnormalities manifest in sensory abilities. The presentinvention provides a noninvasive means of detecting physiologicalchanges within the brain of the operator 9 and outward sensory pathwaysby detecting the manifestation of physiological changes as they affectperception. When the present invention is used as a diagnostic tool,embedded messages are displayed to the operator 9 on a CRT with inputdevice 13. The sensor array 8 receives the operator's 9 reactions andcommunicates the results with the base architecture 8.

For example, the same training technique for foreign language meaningcan be used to determine a problem in the brain of an operator forlearning foreign language words, as measured against statistical norms.

Supraliminal messages as defined herein can include those provided by anormal visual field of an individual, for example through a windshieldof a vehicle.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of the present invention for awarning system in a combat aircraft. The warning system providesembedded messages 120 (shown for clarity) embedded in supraliminalmessages 22 to the pilot. The warning system in a combat aircraftincreases the awareness level of the pilot without distracting the pilotfrom flying the aircraft. The warning system utilizes a screen 113 as amessage transmitter for embedded supraliminal messages 120 to the pilot,while operating the aircraft. The display screen 113 is integrated intothe instrument panel 16 of the cockpit 17.

Alternately, the embedded messages 120 could be directly shown on thewindshield 213 of the cockpit.

Instead of an arrow, embedded pre-semantic images mimicking a certainobject, such as a mountain, missile, or other plane, could be providedto visually prime the pilot to recognize these objects more quickly.These messages also could be predetermined using environmentalinformation provided by external sensors.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of the present invention for usewith visually priming for a collision warning system in an automobile. Asensor 60, such as a CCD, scans for objects ahead of the automobile. Aprocessor 62 receives the information and determines if an object ahead,for example a stalled car, represents a danger, for example by mappingthe relative speed of the object to the user vehicle. Using a luminancealgorithm, processor 62 creates an object representation of the stalledvehicle and visually primes the user by providing the embedded messagein the user's field of vision, for example by projecting the messagewith a projector 64 in very short durations below the liminal thresholdonto the windshield. The effectiveness of the visual priming can bedetermined to see of the user brakes within a predetermined period oftime after the embedded messages are shown, and if not, increasing theduration of the messages until a response is received. Each user,identified for example on entering the vehicle, can, after a longerperiod of use of the vehicle, develop an individualized profile of thebest duration for embedded messages, that duration still lying below theliminal threshold of the user.

1. A system for measuring human perception at edges of awarenesscomprising: a message transmitter providing embedded pre-semanticmessages having a predetermined meaning or a predetermined objectrepresentation for visual priming, the messages being embedded withinsupraliminal information; a sensory monitor for measuring reaction in anindividual to the predetermined meaning or predetermined objectrepresentation of the embedded pre-semantic messages; and a controlsystem connected to the message transmitter, the control systemreceiving an input from the sensory monitor, the control systemincluding a real-time feedback control loop altering a perceptibility ofthe embedded pre-semantic messages with respect to the supraliminalmessages as a function of the sensory monitor input.
 2. The system asrecited in claim 1 wherein the embedded pre-semantic messages andsupraliminal messages are visual images.
 3. The system as recited inclaim 1 wherein the perceptibility is controlled by altering at leastone of duration, frequency, movement, intensity, color and contrast ofthe embedded messages.
 4. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein theperceptibility is controlled by altering at least one of an intensity,color and contrast of the supraliminal message.
 5. The system as recitedin claim 1 wherein the reaction of the individual is a predeterminedinput to the control system.
 6. The system as recited in claim 5 whereinthe reaction of the individual includes at least one predetermined hand,eye, foot or body weighting movement or a vocalization.
 7. The system asrecited in claim 1 wherein the reaction occurs within a predeterminedtime period.
 8. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the feedbackcontrol loop has a setpoint corresponding to a predetermined reaction.9. The system as recited in claim 1 further comprising a database ofstatistical norms for measurement of the perceptibility at predeterminedlevels.
 10. The system as recited in claim 9 wherein the system is amedical diagnostic tool, and the reaction relates to a specific medicalabnormality.
 11. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the system isa warning system for the individual, the embedded pre-semantic messagesdisclosing a warning, the reaction indicating acknowledgment of thewarning.
 12. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the embeddedpre-semantic messages are chosen from a predetermined library ofsymbols.
 13. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the messagetransmitter is a screen.
 14. The system as recited in claim 1 whereinthe sensory monitor includes an aircraft direction controller.
 15. Thesystem as recited in claim 1 wherein the sensory monitor includes anautomobile traction system.
 16. The system as recited in claim 1 furthercomprising a sensor for sensing the environment of a user, and aprocessor determining the predetermined object representation as afunction of an output of the sensor.
 17. The system as recited in claim16 wherein the sensor sensing an object that represents a danger to theuser.
 18. A method for providing embedded pre-semantic messages embeddedin supraliminal messages comprising the steps of: providing embeddedpre-semantic messages having a predetermined meaning or predeterminedobject representation for visual priming, the embedded messages beingembedded within supraliminal information; measuring a reaction in anindividual to the predetermined meaning or the predetermined objectrepresentation of the embedded pre-semantic messages; and automaticallycontrolling the embedded pre-semantic message as a function of thereaction using a feedback loop, the feedback loop altering aperceptibility of the embedded pre-semantic message with respect to thesupraliminal information as a function of the reaction.
 19. The methodas recited in claim 18 wherein the predetermined object representationfor visual priming is determined as a function of sensor informationabout an object requiring attention of a user.
 20. The method as recitedin claim 18 wherein the perceptibility is altered via at least one ofduration, frequency, movement, intensity, color and contrast of theembedded messages.
 21. The method as recited in claim 18 wherein theembedded pre-semantic messages are displayed within a field of vision ofan individual.
 22. The method as recited in claim 18 wherein theembedded pre-semantic messages disclose a warning, the reactionindicating acknowledgment of the warning.
 23. The method as recited inclaim 18 wherein the embedded pre-semantic messages are chosen from apredetermined library of symbols, the library including classes ofmeanings.
 24. The method as recited in claim 18 further comprisingselecting the embedded pre-semantic messages from a local database ofstored messages, the stored messages being a function of previouslymeasured preceptability of specific users.
 25. The method as recited inclaim 18 further comprising, in a preliminary step, determining thepredetermined meaning of the embedded pre-semantic message by testingreactions to the pre-semantic message.
 26. The method as recited inclaim 18 further comprising using a feature detection algorithm tocreate the object representation.
 27. The method as recited in claim 18wherein, in a preliminary step, the predetermined meaning is provided tothe embedded pre-semantic message by teaching the user the predeterminedmeaning.